Wednesday’s Giants/Dodgers lineups: Belt is out, Uribe is in and Sanchez catches Lincecum

Manager Bruce Bochy has told us for a couple days that Buster Posey would catch Tim Lincecum. Did Brandon Belt’s illness change all that? We’ll know later today. For now, there’s no Belt, who told me late last night that he still didn’t have any energy and felt pretty sick. So Posey moves to first and Hector Sanchez slides in to catch Lincecum, as he did much of last season.

Oh and Juan Uribe is playing and the teams are vying for the series win. Good times!

— Brett Pill (minor knee surgery) will join Triple-A Fresno on a rehab assignment tomorrow. Pill was already hitting and pretty active when the Giants left Arizona and said he didn’t think he would need many at-bats to get back in shape. Given the lack of depth in the infield, we might see him pretty soon.

Lets go Giants! I have a feeling Blanco & Sanchez contribute to a Big Win for Giants tonight. As well as great solid plays by B-Craw & Panda.

Steve

i’ve always thought Bochy needed to get Arias as many at bats as he can. Crawford struggling early already, think Arias should fill that void

Mike Souza

So happy Huff, Tejada and Rowand are not im the lineup!
Damn, why is Molina catching? FREE POSEY!!!
Oh how far our beautiful GIANTS lineup/roster has become. 2 rings and a damn good GM and Manager who changed their ancient slumping vet loving ways and won big because of it. We are a spoiled as a fanbase now, but never a douchey/arrogant one as the DODGERS fanbase (my opinion) as a whole. GO TIMMY…GO GIANTS!!!!!

Bigjanks

Lets go Gmen!

Fuddy

after just two days into the season, posters are judging performance and suggesting players sent to bench

sorry to say, this blog seems to be deteriorating to the low level of all blogs

South City Jim

Dang, I was hoping to see Sellers in there.

JD4SF

Good to get Sanchez time behind the plate and AB now. Get him back in the groove after his down time.

We won a few games in 2012 with this LU. Let’s win another tonight!

South City Jim

Generally speaking the third game of the season is simply one of 160 remaining, but this is a big game for both starting pitchers. Time for Timmy to show ‘em whose boss.

Sam

In true melonhead fashion he sits the guy who got 2 hits and reached on an error for Hacktor.

Lefty

I knew Lincecum was kidding about the knuckleball. Although with him you never know. In 2007 he had a fastball and a curveball. By 2008 that devastating changeup. In 2010 he was featuring that slider. So why not a knuckleball?

Crawford has taken every single AB this season against a lefty (during the brief period in last night’s game when Belisario pitched, Crawford didn’t hit). I think it’s a bit premature to conclude that he’s “struggling” or leaves a “void.”

I’m a bit confused about the “lack of depth in the infield” that Alex referred to. By my reckoning, they’re at least three deep at every infield position:

…and three catchers (not even counting emergency catchers Arias and Sandoval), meaning Posey could be spared to play first if he absolutely needs to be.

Now in the outfield, I’d agree there’s a lack of depth with only four real outfielders and Belt, the apparent fifth outfielder, unable to play tonight.

Sam

If Timmy pitches good today, I would bet we will continue to see Hacktor catch Lincecum.

Die Hard Giants Fan

Bochy for manager of the year. Pence and Belt – All Stars. Just watch. Bookmark this blog for an “I told you so”. Dodgers are so pathetic looking, they remind of the middle aged white kid who feels entitled to life’s pleasures cause mommy and daddy have money. LA will field one of the worst teams in MLB this year. I predict a 4th place finish for them.

Papa J

Great early drama for baseball’s (by far) best rivalry!

I’ve had all I can stand of the “Whole New Blue” campaign. A win tonight by the good guys would surely trigger some premature panic in the-land-that-financial-sense-forgot.

I’m sure all Giants fans read this LA Times piece in October – but it’s even more fun this week, when the teams are going head to head:

Sam, calling Bochy a melonhead for that decision is melonheadish of you. Insulting a man is much different than questioning a man. Do you want Arias starting over Pablo, Posey, or Scutaro? No, and Bochy is leaving Crawford in to get him going against the righty Beckett after facing two tough lefties.

Foothills Ryan

Lack of infield depth is a legit statement. Outside of uber sub Arias, the Giants would have to rely on Noonan. Not much back for backup in AAA right now either. Look what happens when Belt goes out: Arias had to play first, now Posey moves away from home plate. What happens when Sandoval hits the DL and Arias goes to third full time?

See the fan? Watch what happens when this manures hits rotating blades?

See the cat? See the cradle?

Where’s Snorkel?

Sam

Mike,

I don’t know, here’s a thought. Leave Arias at first base. I know that sounds pretty radical considering he hasn’t played there since yesterday.

Frenchy

Steve,

Way too early to be sitting Crawford. It’s only been two games and both were against tough lefties. Brandon had a great spring and now gets his first crack at a righty.

Mike Souza

So many damn complainers. Sheez! Shuuuuuuuut uuuuuup please and go follow the PIRATES, ASTROS or ROYALS if you want something to justifiably complain about daily.
I feel better now. GO GIANTS!!!!!!

Sam

You want to know something more tired than people composing about Bochy? People who complain about people that complain about Bochy.

channelclemente

Let’s all just hope Lincecum brings his A game. As to knuckleballs in Lincecum’s repertoire, sounds silly…sort of like Lincecum pitching 13 innings out of the bullpen in the WS. Whatever the kid does, control, new FB, knucklball, he has to do something. Last year is a roadmap to being a rich beachbum.

Foothills Ryan

Score runs early off Chicken Bucket Beckett. Waiting for good pitch, that would be the key. Can the Giants be patient hitters tonight?

channelclemente

Foothills,

you want a lack of infield depth, how about the Dodgers.

Foothills Ryan

It would be nice for Blanco to assert himself early. Maybe he can dispel the platoon notion and keep jumpy Torres out of lineup. It would be nice have an answer in left. Otherwise, it will be awhile before they are ready to call on Fresno.

Foothills Ryan

Injuries do that CC. Why don’t they give Dee Gordon another chance? Can’t be any worse than Sellers. Cruz has handled the hot corner well in Han Ram’s absence.

But Punto, Schumaker and Hairston ain’t bad. Uribe misses his PED’s.

Mike Souza

Sam is this site’s MVC, Most valuable complainer. Bet if you hit the lotto you’d complain.

Sam

Mike,

If you gave me ten million dollars in gold, I would complain that it was too heavy to carry home

Keep’n It Real

OK…pipe dream…but pretty funny to think about…

Dodgers and Kershaw are far apart on contract extension. He hits free agency and…because his hero growing up was #22 Will Clark…he decides to sign with the Giants.

Can you imagine the magnitude of that happening? Dodgers and their ownership…scorned. Colletti…scorned. Dodgers fans…scorned.

Now that would be grounds for dipping in to the “rainy day fund” in my book.

OK…back to reality

http://yahoo Battersbox

Again all you people ready to bench this guy or that. PLEASE STOP IT! The season is 162 and we are going to need Crawford, Belt, Arias, etc> It will take all 25!

These 3 having good seasons, would go a long way towards putting up a tough defense of the Crown.

channelclemente

Sam,
Chemistry!

http://nada paul in p.v.

Footy – Snorkel loves the “Chicken Bucket Beckett” reference – but does not agree that we lack IF depth – Uribe is starting for the Diggers, not the Gints tonight. We be luvin’ our IF.

LittleMike

Go Battersbox!
Go Giants!

http://nada paul in p.v.

KIR – Opie as a Gigante? That would be the steal of the century. )

Lefty

I was thinking about the Dodgers’ depth or lack thereof, so I looked at their active roster…and dang, they’re OLD. Eight of them (1/3) were born in the 70s. 18 of 25 are over 30 or will be before this season is over.
The youngest is Clayton Kershaw–just turned 25.

In contrast, the Giants have 11 players over 30. They have four players under 25 (but that includes Belt, who will turn 25 in a couple weeks). The youngest member of the roster is 23-year-old Hector Sanchez.
—————————————-

CC: If Kershaw were to jump ship (he won’t), I’m guessing he’d become a Texas Ranger. Remember he and Belt are the same age and played in the same region in high school baseball. At one point, Belt was ranked higher as a pitcher than Kershaw was!

Still, what a nice dream, Kershaw a Giant. I think he and Buster would get along beautifully. I wish we could have Kemp, too. He’s already a 49ers fan.

Anti-Lasorda

And Timmy and Buster have no problems Hmmmm………

Not buying it!

kyle Perizi

Every time I see Beckett I’m reminded of the 2003 NLDS Gs loss to the Marlins, 3 games to 1. Damn that Pudge.

Anti-Lasorda

Damn Jason Schmidt for not going on 3 days….

Pacman 68

On my way to the park! Beautiful night for baseball.

South City Jim

I think I had a seizure when I saw Jose Cruz Jr. drop that fly ball. That’s what I remember…wish I could forget!

Peter

So……if Timmy pitches a gem, does Buster ever catch him again?

Zak

“And Timmy and Buster have no problems Hmmmm………

Not buying it!”

To this and all other similar sentiments: do you enjoy seeing Buster getting beat up behind the plate, hit in every part of the body that takes a greater toll on him?

On a day in particular when Belt is unable, why? I questioned why Bochy didn’t do this last night and Arias proved the game winner. It’s such folly to question the manager, a former catcher, who knows what it means to have Buster there for MadBum’s confidence, and Hector there to take the punishment so Lincecum doesn’t fear bouncing the changeup.

channelclemente

Peter,

who cares? It’s a faux issue, IMO.

South City Jim

If Timmy can pitch effectively to Hector, go for it. Last year Zito was the “off day” for Buster, this year it can be Timmy. Heck, if I knew for certain that 2011 Timmy would return if we got Stewart back, I’d ship off one our top pitching prospects for him. But I don’t, so I won’t.

Foothills Ryan

No, seriously Paul, where’s Snorkel?

I can’t make out your new avatar. Is it like one of those pictures from World magazine? What in the World?

South City Jim

Where’s Carmot?

kyle Perizi

Uribe should be good for an error or two.

The Oracle

Yes! Kershaw will become a free agent and sign with the Giants. Then I’m going to run into Sofia Vergara at Safeway and she’ll fall head over heels for me to the point that it becomes annoying. About the same time, I’ll receive a phone call from my ex-wife apologizing for the past 13 years of hell and telling me she’s throwing away the voodoo doll. It’s going to be great!

South City Jim

Uribe’s defense > Sellers bat

Anti-Lasorda

Where in the World is Carmot, San Diego?

channelclemente

Oracle,

IME, it’s the pins, not the doll.

Foothills Ryan

Carmot will have a broad brimmed red hat on. Not to be confused with ladies’ red hat day attendee.

Or Carmot is Snorkel !!! Just call me Mrs. Fletcher.

Kershaw in another jersey is like Verlander in a jersey other than Tigers. Or Cain in Giants for that matter. But sooner or later, these guys will be like Bert Blyleven or whomever and wear a few other jerseys.

Foothills Ryan

Oracle, you better hit that in the planned parenthood aisle.

Matthew

Uribe makes Pablo feel like Kate Moss when our Panda sees him in that Dodger uni….

South City Jim

Matthew @61…good one

MLBSF

It will be interesting some day to find our what this Buster Posey-Tim Lincecum feud is all about.

At least Bochy is keeping Posey in the line up.

But there’s no question Lincecum doesn’t like Posey. Posey probably doesn’t approve of Lincecum smoking the 420 and Lincecum probably doesn’t like Posey’s Mitt Romney for president stickers on his Mercedes.

Why can’t we all get along (in Rodney King’s voice).

Foothills Ryan

Soooooooooooo glad I won’t be on highway 170, I5 or 99 for tonight’s game. A very intriguing pitching matchup. The rubber match! I’ll have the couch. My wife instead of my coworker. Some keystone light or Maker’s highball. Plus the greatest baseball blog on the planet! Sorry fangraphs. 8)

The Oracle

At this point, I think Bochy just likes yanking everybody’s chain by having Sanchez catch Lincecum. Somebody was hoping for Lincecum’s “A” game? I’m hoping he still has one.

channelclemente

Actually, Lincecum doesn’t like licorice. He and Posey will soon be in a commercial dealing with the isssue. New rumors for inane troll talk.

Bud

How does Pill add any depth to the infield? He is a very average hitter without a position. We have an abundance of guys who can play 1b in a pinch and Belt should be there whenever Posey isn’t getting a break from catching.

Pill isn’t going to play anywhere other than 1b on the infield and he’s a total liability as an OF.

Big Dog

Great effort from madbum last night putting the Dodgers in their place. Make no mistake it will be neck and neck with them all season. Don’t understand the need for three catchers and as much as Torres did last night we should have kept up Peguero who had a great ST….not sure how much timmyjimjam has left but if he finds his old stuff we will be dominate

South City Jim

It will be interesting at the end of this season to see who wins the NL West and how Beckett and Lincecum did. I have a hunch that if one has a nice bounce back year while the other one struggles, that will be the tale of the tape, so to speak.

Peter

channelclemente,

Lighten up. Always assume sarcasm first with me.

Witchdoctor

I agree Fuddy, at times you wonder if some of our brethren have a clue.

Atlas

Fuddy and Witch, are you guys new here?

Foothills Ryan

Stop picking on the Apostles, CC.

====

Totally agree Jim. The hinge of the season is fastened upon tonight’s pitching matchup. Or it could hinge elswhere, but I like it.

Atlas

Great debate question on CSN pregame…

Exactly how big of a deal is it if Tim has a “bad night” tonight?

SurfCity

Mike Souza says:
April 3rd, 2013 at 4:12 pm

So many damn complainers. Sheez! Shuuuuuuuut uuuuuup please and go follow the PIRATES, ASTROS or ROYALS if you want something to justifiably complain about daily.
I feel better now. GO GIANTS!!!!!!

====

Mike – agree there are too many complainers but there are also too many scolders scolding the complainers!

Here’s a novel thought — just make your own comment whether criticizing or praising!

Here’s mine — I’m most happy so far with the Giants’ pitching!

SurfCity

KIR at 30 — Everyone needs a dream! And yours is a great one!

SurfCity

Yeah — Pill isn’t that needed for infield depth. All he plays is first base, where he’s pretty much 4th string.

David D

A long time reader, first time poster.
This week is spring break for my son in Walnut Creek, we drove to LA on Sunday for first 2 games, just came back to watch 3rd game on TV.
1st game – tough crowd. As Alex said, 99% blue and white, we seemed to be only 2 people in our section with Giants gear on in (including my orange hair). Very few kids, all must have been at school. Security everywhere, on bikes, segways, horses, cars, helicopters. We were told few times that “we were brave to come to opening game”. A guy next to me kept saying “you’ve got balls to come here”. After 2-3 beers he became open: “after what happened 2 years ago it’s been tough here for us. I’d like to say f*ck SF and f*ck you, but I cannot”. I told him we didn’t have much love for him either.
Whole stadium went crazy after Kershaw’s home run. It seemed they had just won WS. After the game security walked with us to our car, crowd was too excited.
Yesterday was very different. There were kids, and there were many Giants fans in every section. It felt like a normal baseball game, unlike Monday when we had to keep looking around. Great game. After it we talked to Larry Baer, shaking hands, taking pictures. And we waited for Giants players, my son managed to take few autographs and talk to few of them. He was not shy asking questions to Belt (how are you feeling? Not good), to Vogelsong (when are you starting? Saturday), Torres (long story, we had talked to him 2 years ago in Arizona, had his autographs, very nice guy, and he remembered my son). Most of the players had cars in the parking lot (Cain gave ride to Posey and Belt), Lincecum, Affeld, Romo, Crawford, Bochy, few others got into cars. Others took the team bus.
Overall, great experience, not regretting supporting the team in LA, even on opening day.

At the end, they may say it’s new blue, but it’s the same crowd, getting to stadium after 3rd inning, leaving around 7, enjoying beach balls and doing waves. No changes.

SurfCity

Thanks for the report, David D!

Atlas

Giving Tim a lead to lean on would be kind of nice…

dgg

I wondered if Tim was joking about the knuckleball. I first saw Tim said this in one of Alex’s tweets yesterday, and puzzled over whether it’s really possible for a pitcher to mix in a knuckleball with other pitches. So this morning driving to work, on Mike and Mike in the morning, there was an interview with RA Dickey and he got asked that very question. And he said that to throw the knuckleball, you have to “unlearn” your mechanics and it’s very difficult to mix it in with other pitches. That’s when I decided Tim was joking.